93 Escort starting problems

[Fordowner815]

I have a 93 ford escort. Just got it back from having the tranny replaced. Drove it for like 2-4 days. I went out one morning and went to start it. I held the clutch down and turned the key nothing happened, but when i let go of the key (while still holding the clutch down) it started up. I know thats not right but figured that it was running. I then started to move and went to shift to 2nd gear and the second I pushed the clutch down the starter engaged again trying to turn over.

I have had several people say that it was the Neutral saftey switch and/or the ignition. Anyone have any ideas?? money is very tight so id like to see if its something i can try to fix myself plus dont want to go through and just replace parts until i hit it.

[AzTumbleweed]

Probably a bad ignition switch. A manual transmission doesn't have a neutral safety switch. Those are found in automatics.

Does the starter engage every time you push in the clutch? That would mean the ignition switch is stuck with the 'start' circuit on.

If the starter cranks whenever you push in the clutch then here's what I'd do to save money for now. Cut the two wires going to the clutch safety switch. Lenghthen them a little and mount a spring-loaded toggle switch on them. Presto! Instant starter switch. This might fix the problem for now.

If you do this then be advised there are two switches on the clutch pedal. You want the one that engages when the pedal is to the floor. There is another switch that releases as soon as you move the clutch pedal. That's NOT the one. It's called a 'Clutch Interupt Pedal' and all I can think it might do is turn off cruise control if you have it.

After this the CAR WILL START IN GEAR!!

[AzTumbleweed]

Another brilliant idea. Take the cover off that goes around the steering column and switches. Find the HOT starter wire and splice in a spring-loaded toggle switch here. Then drill a hole in the plastic cover to mount it. Should be plenty of room on the left side.